Catholic Relief Services

Who We Are

Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, CRS has expanded in size to reach more than 100 million people in 101 countries on five continents. As the official international Catholic relief and development agency of the USCCB, the mission of CRS is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person.

In partnering with Catholic Relief Services, the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world. We also promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies.

As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, the Catholic Relief Services network within the Archdiocese of Chicago works with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, and other organizations, to assist people based on need—not creed, race or nationality.